Efficiency gains in the bag

Fast lead times and less space – these are the benefits Thürlings enjoys with its new generation of packaging machines, thanks to the profitable combination of the remote I/O system u-remote and TERMSERIES relay modules.

Creating suitable packaging for a wide range of food is the challenge and objective of the packaging industry. Film, cartons and bottles are more than just a convenient way to transport foodstuffs. They also provide protection against external influences, such as oxygen or moisture, and ensure that the packaged food stays fresh longer and has an extended shelf life.

Thürlings Verpackungsmaschinen is a company that specialises in machines for manufacturing and sealing foil bags. The machines produce flat, side gusseted or block bottom bags from stock rolls of packaging film, prepare them for filling and then seal them as required using a variety of methods. Precise reproducibility, reliable sealing, quick format changeover and, to some extent, the specific handling of fragile products are the critical success factors.

The bag-opening-and-sealing machine, Linearpac 85M by Thürlings, unstacks and seals prefabricated block bottom bags and prepares them for the filling

Efficiency potential fully exploited

“A passion for technology and development is the basis for the efficiency of our machines,” explains managing director Felix Thürlings. "In developing our latest generation of machines we once again focused on fully exploiting the efficiency potential. One of the measures taken in this regard was the search for a new remote I/O solution. The u-remote system offered by Weidmüller impressed us instantly with its well thought-out details.”

The crucial selling point for Thürlings was not least the profitable combination of the remote I/O system and Weidmüller's TERMSERIES. The use of digital output modules with PLC interface connections from the

u-remote system and the interface adapter for TERMSERIES relay modules produces customised output configurations without significant expense. Custom-fit, plug-and-play cable sets are easily connected between the u-remote output modules and interface level to the adapter – after which the configuration is ready to use.

Reduced wiring and lead times

“Thanks to the pluggable system wiring, the remote outputs can be adapted to the type and number of required relay inputs without any problems,” says sales representative Boy Dammann from Weidmüller, who was on hand to advise Thürlings. “For example, TERMSERIES relay modules with AgNi contacts and TERMSERIES solid-state relays can be connected simultaneously to a single output card. At Thürlings these components are used for, amongst other things, the heating control, where they score highly on account of their wear-free design. The direct connection to the u-remote output modules allows the semiconductor relays to be controlled without having to go through additional switching amplifiers.”

The outcome is that Thürlings benefits from significantly reduced wiring times and shorter lead times for constructing the electrical cabinet. Thanks to

The combination of u-remote and the relay modules and interface adapter of the Weidmüller TERMSERIES offers Thürlings special advantages

its universal fit, the interface adapter offers considerable space saving when used in conjunction with TERMSERIES products with identical contours.

Additional wiring and space saving advantages are also provided by the safe feed-in modules from the u-remote system. The modules provide full status information on the inputs and outputs and replace the previous solution consisting of separate safety relays. This gave Thürlings yet another option for maximising the efficiency potential of its new generation of machines.